Douglas Gordon Olson

After living a full and beautiful life, Douglas Olson went to meet his Savior face-to-face on February 17, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on March 4, 2023, at First United Presbyterian Church, Moline, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on March 3, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd, Moline.

Gordon and Florence (Bayley) Olson and big sister Barbara welcomed Doug into their family on February 21, 1946, in Chicago Heights, IL. After graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1964, he went on to earn his bachelors and law degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He was studying for the bar exam in the summer of 1971 when he met the love of his life Joan Fant. They were married on December 23, 1972, in Bloomington, IL. For the past 50 years, their marriage has served as a picture of God’s love and faithfulness. The first stop in Doug’s long legal career was as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, in Springfield, IL. In 1976 Doug transitioned to private practice in Moline and then Silvis, IL. From start to finish, he was passionate about the interpretation and application of the law for the benefit of his clients.

Doug and Joan held membership at First United Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir, serving as an elder, and meeting with his Home Fellowship group. Doug’s faith and family were the most important parts of his life. On any given night, Doug could be found coaching or cheering for his kids’ sports teams, holding court at the dinner table with his stories, or sneaking a dessert behind his wife’s back. His family will remember his love for music and reading, telling jokes, pulling pranks, Illini basketball, his dogs, cruising around in his red Mitsubishi 3000GT, and making memories with his family at their lake house in Wisconsin. Doug was a man who brought joy to all who knew him and made friends wherever he went.

Doug will forever be remembered by his wife, Joan; children, Christopher (Jen Strombeck) Olson, Kissimmee, FL; Elizabeth (Charly Capps) McKee, East Moline, IL; Katherine (Justin) Stringer, Springfield, MO; Andrew (Brooklyne) Olson, Rogers, MN; grandchildren, Corbin McKee, Gwyn McKee, Charlotte Stringer, Theodore Stringer; great-grandson, Theodore Edwards-McKee; sister, Barbara (Robert) McWhorter, Portage, MI; niece, Sharon Mais; nephew, Robert McWhorter. His family is deeply grateful for the sacrificial service of his long-time caregiver, Mary Garza and her husband, Phil.

His parents preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, the Alzheimer's Association, or the American Diabetes Association. Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.